By August 1945, the Japanese Empire was on the verge of defeat but still refused to surrender. However, a new weapon, unlike any other, would soon help lead to the end of World War II and have ripple effects for decades to come.
The Axis powers are finally defeated in 1945—Nazi Germany in May and Imperial Japan in August.
The "Manhattan Project," the largest, most secretive wartime project in history, explored the possibility of splitting the atom to create an "atomic bomb."
On June 6, 1944, the Allies launched the long-anticipated invasion of Normandy, France. Soldiers from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and other Allied nations faced Hitler's formidable Atlantic Wall as they landed on the beaches of Normandy.
On May 8, 1945, thousands of people took to the streets in cities around the world to celebrate news of Germany's surrender and the end of World War II in Europe.
The National WWII Museum's own Victory Swing Orchestra celebrates the great big bands of the WWII era.
Eighty years after the end of World War II, this two-day symposium will offer a comprehensive look at the turning points and closing moments of the war in Europe and the Pacific.
Spark your child's love of history with our WWII-themed storytime experience.